A boot rack is one of the most practical accessories for the TD and TF, addressing the fundamental luggage limitation of a two-seat sports car where the space behind the seats is occupied by the folded hood, the sidescreen storage compartment, the tonneau cover, and the starting handle. The spare wheel is mounted externally at the rear of both models, leaving no enclosed boot space of any kind. A rack mounted to the rear of the car provides a secure platform for touring luggage without compromising the car's character or original interior arrangement.
Model-Specific Designs
Boot racks are produced to the original classic designs for T-types, with separate part numbers for the TD and the TF. The design difference reflects the different rear-end arrangements of the two models, the TD's spare wheel is mounted on a chrome carrier with the rear number plate fitted to it, whilst the TF's revised rear-end has the rear number plate mounted centrally above the rear bumper with the spare wheel carrier in a different position. Each rack is shaped to suit its model's rear-end geometry and the mounting points for the spare wheel and bumper. A TD rack will not fit a TF correctly, and vice versa.
Chrome and Stainless Steel
Each model's rack is available in two finishes: chrome-plated steel for owners matching the existing chromework on the car, and stainless steel for owners prioritising long-term corrosion resistance. The chrome rack provides the period-correct visual finish that complements the car's extensive brightwork, but the chrome surface is susceptible to pitting and flaking once the underlying nickel layer is breached, particularly in coastal environments or on cars used in winter conditions. The stainless steel rack offers a slightly different surface appearance but will not corrode under any normal use, making it the practical choice for owners using the car as everyday or touring transport rather than concours showpiece.
Boot Rack Strap
A 2.5-metre boot rack strap with a buckle is available as a separate accessory, providing the means to secure luggage to the rack during touring. The strap should always be used in conjunction with the rack, a piece of luggage left unsecured on a rack will shift in motion and may fall off entirely on a hard cornering manoeuvre. For longer tours with multiple bags, two or more straps may be ordered as required.
Touring Practicality
The TD and TF were designed for an era when most sports car journeys were short and luggage was modest, but modern owners frequently use their cars for weekend tours, club runs, and multi-day trips where more substantial luggage is needed. A boot rack mounted to the rear of the car keeps luggage out of the cockpit, away from the weather equipment, and separate from the occupants, a significant practical advantage over attempting to fit bags into the limited tonneau area behind the seats. Soft holdalls, suitcases, and overnight bags can all be carried on the rack, leaving the car's interior uncluttered for the driver and passenger. Combined with a fitted tonneau cover, the rack provides a complete touring arrangement that respects the car's pre-war aesthetic whilst providing modern practicality.
Ordering Considerations
The TD and TF racks are fundamentally different in design and dimensions, confirm the model when ordering. The chrome and stainless finishes are both catalogued for each model, with the choice depending on intended use: chrome for show and originality, stainless for long-term durability and use in adverse conditions. The boot rack strap is a separate item and should be ordered alongside the rack for any owner intending to carry luggage.
The chrome racks should be treated with Solvol Autochrome before fitting and reapplied at regular intervals, in line with the maintenance regime for all chrome-plated components on the car.